Word Origin & History

early 15c., "catapult, military engine for throwing large stones," from Middle French bombarde "mortar, catapult" (14c.), from bombe (see bomb (n.)). The same word, from the same source, was used in English and French late 14c. in reference to the bass shawm, a bassoon-like musical instrument, preserving the "buzzing" sense in the Latin.

Example Sentences for bombardment

The continued explosions of the demolitions resembled a bombardment.

The bombardment of Strasburg is also a popular subject in Mulhouse.

For the bombardment kept up for days and the Emperor could not escape.

At 5.30 in the afternoon came the order to advance, after a bombardment by the fleet.

The warships in the harbor that had escaped the bombardment were blown up.

The bombardment was continued vigorously for three-quarters of an hour.